Portsmouth boss Michael Appleton admits the club's current predicament is worrying, but remains hopeful that someone will rescue the club.
Pompey boss hopes club can find new owner
Portsmouth boss Michael Appleton admits the club's current predicament is worrying, but remains hopeful that someone will rescue the club.
The club's administrator revealed earlier this week that their financial problems might result in Pompey not being able to complete the current season.
The South Coast side entered administration last month for the second time in as many years as the club continues to struggles with mounting debts.
Appleton concedes the situation is bleak, but he believes the plight afflicting the Fratton Park side has made the resolve of the staff and players stronger.
"It is not great at the minute, but I think things that have gone on over the last couple of months, it seems to have made the players and staff stronger because it gets to the point that you can't really throw anything else at us," Appleton told
Sky Sports News.
"There is a lot of unity together as staff and players and obviously we try and use that and utilise that on the field.
Worrying
"It is worrying, of course it is, but it is something we can't affect and as I have said time and time again we can only affect what happens on the field. Life has been difficult in terms of numbers and injuries and not being able to bring players in.
"But if we are able to put 11 players on the field and get enough players on the bench we will try and be as competitive as we possibly can.
Asked if he feared the club might go into liquidation, Appleton added: "I think you would be daft if you didn't, but I think the club, as big as it is, with the passionate fans, it is more than a football club in Portsmouth.
"I have got the same hope and feeling as everyone else that eventually something will sort itself out."
Appleton is trying to stay positive and remains hopeful that the club will be able to find a new buyer to save them.
Positive
"I think I am still positive in the fact that I am sure there is someone out there who would like to get hold of the football club and bring a bit of stability to the football club as it has got so many memories and good memories and good times," he said.
"If it happened in the past why can't it happen again in the future at some point?"
Appleton was full of praise for the players and how they have handled all the troubles at Fratton Park.
"Under the circumstances, I have been delighted with the performances and it has been well documented we have not had the rub of the green in the last couple of games with some of the decisions, but these things happen," continued Appelton.
"From our point of view as long as we are competitive in every game that is all I ask of the players
"We have 14 games left and we want to make sure every time we play they [the opposition] know they have been in a game and I will be happy with that."
